Left Hand Dave
Well-Known Member
What is the general consensus on humidity level for firearm storage and reloading components?
Humidity Level For Firearms/Reloading
- Thread starter Left Hand Dave
- Start date
40%-50% is considered ideal. Low enough to reduce the risk of rust but not so low it's hard on wood stocks. Below 30% is hard on wood.
nksmfamjp
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Struggling to keep under 60 this year, but I target 50%
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50% is a comfortable level for a home and good for your firearms IMO. However, most of my house is way below that all winter long. My gun cabinet and gun safe both have dehumidifiers running 24/7, but I have never checked to see what the humidity level is in either one.
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I keep my house in the mid 30's most of the time with use of a dehumidifier. I don't like the way it feels when it's more humid. Anything above 45% and I sweat all the time which is uncomfortable.
If anything under 30% is hard on wood then how do wood stocks and wood houses etc. survive in the western states like Arizona, Utah, Nevada, Colorado, Wyoming et al?
Since I started keeping my humidity below 40% nearly all the time I have seen no degradation in accuracy in my handloads or wooden stocked firearms but I have very few of them.
If anything under 30% is hard on wood then how do wood stocks and wood houses etc. survive in the western states like Arizona, Utah, Nevada, Colorado, Wyoming et al?
Since I started keeping my humidity below 40% nearly all the time I have seen no degradation in accuracy in my handloads or wooden stocked firearms but I have very few of them.
Rabid Fish
Well-Known Member
I'm in agreement with you. I run a dehumidifier in the basement 24/7 and sometimes run a small fan for circulation.
Typically 38% and higher. That's what I'm able to achieve. I don't know the ideal humidity for wood stocked rifles.
I have a Winchester book that states when building pre 64 rifle stocks, the woodshop wanted 6% moisture content to start.
Anyone know better please keep me informed.
sjt18
Well-Known Member
Depends on temperature in combination with humidity. I think humidity for both is around 60% for me.
I have had trouble in the past with some powders changing if it is too dry (under 50%) or too humid (over 70%).
sjt18
Well-Known Member
Do you struggle with ball powders? Ramshot Hunter has been particularly sensitive.
ARlife4me
Well-Known Member
The only struggle I've been having is enough time to reload. I do have plenty of ball powders i use, but haven't reloaded in nearly 4 years.
jseandsje
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Humidity swings can cause problems, but a welled sealed inlay will prevent most issues.
imyourhuckleberry
Well-Known Member
We just keep the AC or 72ºF, which lowers the humidity, but I really have never checked what the level is.
cohunt
Well-Known Member
Colorado ranges at about 50% max to in the single digits
Average in summer is around 35-45
Winter is 20-30
I run a humidifier for my guitars but not my guns, ive never had any issues with wood stocks, powder or primers
Average in summer is around 35-45
Winter is 20-30
I run a humidifier for my guitars but not my guns, ive never had any issues with wood stocks, powder or primers
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